The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the Cruise Vessel Safety Act of 2009. The legislation, H.R. 3360, would require cruise ships to report crimes committed on board to proper authorities. In addition, the bill would require cruise ships to adopt additional security measures such as latches and peep holes for guest rooms, video surveillance to document criminal activity, as well as be equipped to provide emergency assistance to victims of sexual assaults.

 

A Senate version of the bill, S-588, was approved by the Senate Committee on Science and Transportation earlier this year, and is awaiting floor consideration.

 

The House previously approved the Cruise Vessel Safety Act on Oct. 23, 2009 by bipartisan vote of 385 - 11 as part of a H.R. 3619, the Coast Guard Reauthorization Act of 2009.